Are you passionate about history, centuries-old traditions, and exotic customs? If so, the Baikal Traditions tour is for you.
Take a glimpse into the past at the historical trade centre of Irkutsk and disconnect from modern civilization in the Taltsy museum. Indulge in the magical energy of the Chersky Stone and the spiritual power of an isolated Buddhist monastery. Finally, discover the unique culture of the Buryat people at the Golden Horde Park.
Take this tour to:
• see all the major Baikal landmarks from the height of 728 meters
• soak in the spiritual energy of the Land of Revival of the Buddha’s Teaching, a unique monastery complex
• connect with the mysterious ancient culture of Buryat at the Golden Horde Park
Duration:
5 days / 4 nights
Type of tour:
Sightseeing tour
Food:
Breakfast, Lunch
Language:
English
Cancellation conditions:
Free cancellation 15 days before the start of the tour
Attractions
Activities
Hotels
City tour Irkutsk
People travel to Irkutsk from afar to see Siberia’s richest and most varied collection of wooden architecture. Ranging from the splendid lace houses preserved since Imperial times to the meticulously reconstructed buildings of the 130 th Quarter, it will leave you with a lasting impression of this unique architectural style.
Ingenious and beautiful, wooden buildings form a key part of Russia’s cultural heritage. Wooden architectural monuments from all over the Baikal region have been brought together at the Taltsy open air museum to safeguard this legacy from the flooding caused by the construction of the Irkutsk Dam.
The stone owes its name to Ivan Chersky, the Polish political exile turned pioneering explorer of Siberia. He lent his name to many other places near the lake. Locals say he used to rest here and look out at its waters between expeditions.
The scenic backdrop of a steppe nomad camp at the Golden Horde Ethnopark presents unparalleled photo opportunities. Capture them to take pictures that will last a lifetime with a spectacular background formed by beautifully carved yurts and pavilions.
At 728 meters, Chersky Stone towers over the settlement of Listvyanka and offers one of the best panoramic views of Lake Baikal. Take a cable car to the observation platform at the peak, and treat yourself to a visual buffet as you soar past the trees.
This "3 star" hotel is located in one of the streets in the center of Irkutsk. Travelers have the choice of single and double rooms, Standard and Plus category rooms. A coffee corner, minibar and safe are available to travelers in each room. Breakfast is served in the hotel bar.
Hotel Nikola is located in Listvyanka, 4 km from the ski lift on Lake Baikal. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout and free private parking. An airport shuttle is available at an extra charge.
Arrival in Irkutsk, meeting your guide, and check-in
As you arrive in Irkutsk, you will see your guide waiting for you with a name sign. They will take you to the hotel for check-in.
вав
Day 2
Breakfast, check-out, Irkutsk city tour, a tour of the Taltsy museum, transfer to Listvyanka, a tour to the Chersky Stone, and check-in.
You will begin by discovering the old Siberian trade centre of Irkutsk. As you walk between well-preserved, beautifully decorated wooden houses and explore the Historical Museum of the 19th century, you will soak in the spirit of the time.
The historical heritage of the region will present itself to you in all its glory. Once you step into the Taltsy open-air museum, you will forget about the fuss of modern life, surrounded by 19th-century fortifications and authentic huts.
Your next stop will be 728 meters above the lake, the top of a mountain where you will get by a chair lift. You will enjoy incredible views of Baikal, Listvyanka, the head of Angara River, the Hamar-Daban mountains, the legendary rock Shamanka, and a train running along the old railroad.
Your photographs will wow your relatives and friends!
вав
Day 3
Breakfast, an excursion of the Baikal Museum, and a show at the Nerpinary.
We are inviting you to explore Listvyanka on the third day of this tour.
Once you’ve had your breakfast, the guide will take you to the Baikal Museum. You will learn all about the rich variety of animals and plants of Baikal, as well as the lake’s geology and geography.
For a more immersive experience, you will explore Baikal by virtual submarine. The underwater world will unfold before your eyes in an incredibly realistic way!
After visiting the museum, you will meet cute Baikal seals.
Baikal seals or nerpas are a species that you will find nowhere else but at Baikal. You are unlikely to see these smart cuties in the wild as they prefer to hide from people. But they will be delighted to show themselves to you at the Nerpinary where they play football, jump, count aloud, play with rings and even sing to everyone’s excitement.
Visit the Baikal seal show for the sweetest memories of this trip!
At the end of that day, full of new experiences, you will get back to the hotel to tank up energy for the final day of your Baikal adventures.
вав
Day 4
Check-out, transfer from Listvyanka to Irkutsk, a tour of the Golden Horde Park including lunch and a master class, a visit to Ust-Orda datsan, and check-in.
It is time to immerse yourself in Baikal's culture made of colourful ethnic costumes, rousing folk music and dance, delectable local cuisine, and indigenous Buryat huts.
All that and more will you discover on the Golden Horde Park tour, a journey back into the time when people lived in perfect harmony with nature.
After lunch, your guide will take you to one of the most revered Buddhist monastery complexes in Russia: the Tubden Darzhelin datsan. This Tibetan name translates as “the Land of Revival of the Buddha’s Teaching”. Founded in the 1990s, it paved the way for the Buddhist revival in post-Soviet Russia.
вав
Day 5
Check-out, meeting with your guide, and transfer to the airport.